UNC Basketball: KenPom still doesn’t have faith in the Tar Heels

CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 21: Anthony Harris #0, Kerwin Walton #24, R.J. Davis #4, Brady Manek #45, and Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels huddle together during a game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Dean E. Smith Center on December 21, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 21: Anthony Harris #0, Kerwin Walton #24, R.J. Davis #4, Brady Manek #45, and Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels huddle together during a game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Dean E. Smith Center on December 21, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /
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Even with their impressive run to the Final Four, KenPom continues to show little faith in the UNC Basketball program.

The UNC basketball program continues to prove people wrong, but KenPom still isn’t a believer in the Tar Heels.

In preparation for Saturday night’s Final Four matchup between North Carolina and Duke, KenPom released their predictions for the first-ever matchup in the NCAA Tournament for this historic rivalry.

After essentially saying that the Tar Heels suck prior to the Sweet 16, it should be no surprise to see who they favor in round three of the greatest rivalry in all of college sports. KenPom projects that Duke will defeat North Carolina 79-75. They give the Blue Devils a 64 percent chance to win the game.

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Tar Heel fans may be upset by this prediction, but we’re here to tell you to don’t take it personally.

Instead, remember that KenPom viewed the UNC basketball program among the lower half of teams that were remaining in the Sweet 16. Regardless of their ratings, the Tar Heels are still alive and have a chance to earn a trip to Monday’s national championship with a win.

A lot is at stake for both sides in this matchup. For Duke, obviously, their goal is to send coach Mike Krzyzewski out on top. North Carolina hopes to spoil his retirement tour once more, as they would love nothing more than to send the coach of the biggest rival out with a loss.

At this point, it’s not even worth reading into the predictions. Regardless of whether or not the Tar Heels have been viewed as “favorites,” this group has played extremely well over the last couple of weeks and is focused on keeping their season alive for as long as they possibly can.

Let’s just hope that they can continue to prove KenPom and many others wrong!

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